Col. S P Salunke joined the Second Regular Course of the Indian Military Academy (1946-47). On being commissioned, he joined the 1st (Para) Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, now called the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. He took part in J&K Operations in 1948 and in Goa Operations in 1961.During the Goa Operations, he was the DAAQME (Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General) of 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade. He was promoted out of turn and was the first officer from the 1947 batch to rise to the rank of Lt Col. He raised and commanded 2nd Border Scouts (1964-67), now called the Dogra Scouts. Col. Salunke took part in the 1965 war. He was AAQMG (Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General) in HQ 101 communication zone (1968), GSO (General staff Officer Grade 1) in HQ Uttar Pradesh Area (1968-70) and Col. Administration NDA (National Defence Academy) 1970-72. He commanded the 2nd Control Group of Pakistani POWs in 1973-74 till their repatriation. Thereafter, he was Col ';A' (Adjutant) in HQ Western Command (1974-76) and HQ Southern Command (1976-79). He retired in August 1979.